| Transportation Fees - Frequently Asked Questions |
Click on the a question or browse all frequently asked questions below.
Why is Tyngsborough charging a transportation fee this year?
Schools across the country have been charging transportation fees for a number of years. We are charging only the students who we are not required to provide with free transportation. This is one way to bring in revenue to help offset the price of transportation.
Is the school system required, by law, to transport students to and from school?
No. Right now the law states that only students in grades K-6 whose residence is greater than 2 miles from school will have transportation funded via the school district's budget.
What about K-6 students who live within the 2 mile radius?
Tyngsborough does not currently charge a transportation fee for students within this radius. It is legal to charge these students as other area towns are already doing so.
Do I have to pay a transportation fee if my child has a special needs education plan specifying transportation via a special education van?
No, the law does not permit school systems to charge a fee for transporting special needs students, via a van, when it is prescribed in a child's educational plan.
How much are the transportation fees?
Fees are $200 for students in grades 7-12 with a $500 family cap.
Can I pay the transportation fee in installments?
No, transportation fees must be paid in full at the time of application.
How do I receive a waiver?
Students who received a free or reduced lunch in the 2007-2008 school year may apply for a waiver by letter to the School Business Administrator. You will be notified and given a pass once your request is approved.
Does my 6th grader have to pay a transportation fee this year?
No, 6th graders do not pay a transportation fee this year. However, they are required to have a bus pass. Passes for 6th graders will be passed out at the beginning of school.
My child attends Notre Dame Academy. Do I have to pay a transportation fee?
Yes, for grades 7-12 the fees are the same as for Tyngsborough Public School students.
My child plans on attending the Charter School. What are the transportation fees?
The fees are the same as for Tyngsborough Public School students.
My child plans on riding the bus in the afternoons only. Can I pay a partial transportation fee?
No, the fee is $200 regardless of frequency of transportation.
My high school student plans on driving to school mid-year. Can he/she buy partial transportation and then the parking pass?
No. A bus pass is to be purchased for $200 and the parking permit purchased at that month's rate.
If I have not paid a transportation fee, can my child (7th-12th grader) ride the bus during early release days and/or inclement weather?
No, 7th -12th grade students are required to have a bus pass regardless of transportation requirements.
Must my child carry the bus pass every day?
Yes, every student in grades 6 through 12 must carry his/her bus pass every day. We recommend that this pass be attached to a backpack or article of clothing so it is quickly available and observable by the school bus driver.
Who will be checking passes?
The bus drivers will be checking passes as the students board the school bus. To avoid slowing down boarding the bus, passes must be readily available
What if my child's bus pass is lost?
A replacement bus pass will be issued for lost passes. There is a $5 fee for this service.
What if I have not purchased a pass?
All students in grades 7 through 12 are required to purchase a pass. Students can not board a bus without showing the driver their pass.
Why does my student's bus pass not have a photo?
Replacement passes will be issued in the fall after student photos are taken.
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